Despite having one previous Grammy win out of two country album of the year nominations, among five other Grammy wins overall, Kacey Musgraves’ newest album star-crossed has been deemed ineligible for the category for the 64th annual music award show.
Cindy Mabe, president of Universal Music Group Nashville, protests the decision, explaining that “taking [Musgraves] out of the country category actually does harm to a format struggling with change and inclusivity overall.”
Mabe continues, emphasizing the importance of embracing diversity in country music: “The numbers speak and are a matter of public record with women making up only 10 percent of all country airplay. This year alone country music has been mired in the controversy surrounding one of the formats [sic] biggest artists, Morgan Wallen, who used a racial slur and grew fans and audience from it. THIS IS NOT ALL THAT WE ARE. Under the surface are the artists that change it all and they are led by the example of Kacey Musgraves.”
Official nominations will be announced on November 23rd, and the show will be held on January 31st of next year.
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